Sexiest Man Alive 2011

People Magazine just announced this year's "Sexiest Man Alive":  Bradley Cooper.  Now I've been around long enough to remember the first one, who was Mel Gibson.  And the youngest, JFK Jr.  And the year they changed it to sexiest couple with Richard Geer and Cindy Crawford.

Back in the day, the "Sexiest Man Alive" concept was a little (shall we say) scandalous.  It was daring, bold.  People Magazine really stuck its neck out there with it, and it worked.  They sold magazines and got people talking.  Not on social media, that didn't exist, but it got everyone talking around the water cooler and on the phone (landlines of course).

Now, the "Sexiest Man Alive" has become a "thing," almost a brand unto itself.  There's a big announcement, press around it, a television show tie-in, social media ... and all the entertainment and morning shows talk about it.  It's a "thing."  And a resume-builder for the "winner."  Even a little controversy, which is always fun, as people speculate on who the winner will be and then criticize the results.  This year was "supposed" to be Ryan Gosling's year, and fans are already upset!


Now you may be asking yourself, "why should I care?"  Well if you're in marketing, you should.  This is pop culture, and whether we choose to admit it or not, these kinds of things influence behavior and tastes and attitudes.  Not just in fashion and entertainment, but across the board.  If you are in marketing, then I believe you need to be on the pulse.  Paying attention to these kinds of things keeps you fresh and creative.

Now maybe knowing who the "Sexiest Man Alive" isn't the most important thing in the marketing world, but seeing the extended list of guys certainly helps to keep you in the know.  People Magazine, as part of this annual ritual, has extended the list to dozens of guys who are either honorable mentions, or rising stars, or influencial across the ages.  This is the good stuff ... it puts a face and a name to all the folks we're all buzzing about but you're afraid to admit you haven't hear of yet!

Give this gallery a look ... trust me, it helps to know what's going on in pop culture.

What's your experience?  Jim.

Jim Joseph
President of Lippe Taylor
Author of The Experience Effect


PS - We used to first hear the announcement literally on the news stand.  Then maybe a morning show.  Then maybe the tv special.  Now?  Twitter!